Confusion at the Car Show: A Lime Green Lemon?

Chrysler unveiled its latest 300 at SEMA in Las Vegas recently. The response was underwhelming, to say the least, but I’m a bit confused by the reports. I’ve been all over the internet looking for information and it seems to be conflicting to a disturbing degree.

The version shown in Las Vegas was lime green with chrome detailing. Maybe this choice was just to attract attention. The Chrysler website doesn’t offer this particular shade, sticking to more dignified colors like red, black, white, and silver.

The show model was equipped with a 2.7 liter V6 engine. The website says that the standard engine is a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 with an optional 5.7 liter Hemi V8, if you prefer.

Complaints about the interior abounded. The steering wheel was wrapped in foam which admittedly seems out of place in a luxury car. Chrysler says all steering wheels on this model are leather covered. The seats also caused some alarm with one report comparing them to seats found on a carnival ride. I could find only leather seats available on the website with any option package from basic on up. They are also equipped with 4-way lumbar support and heated front seats. All standard.

As far as technology goes, Chrysler boasts a standard 8.4-inch Uconnect Touchscreen. The unit in the display model was reportedly felt. Safety was not addressed in any negative reports I found, but Chrysler advertises that the 300 comes with a rear back-up camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, park assist, reactive front head restraints, stability control, and ABS.

What is shown on the website is a far cry from the model taken to the car show. I can understand the disappointment expressed by the people who were presented with such a sad representation. It would be nice to hear something from Chrysler explaining why they would display something so blatantly substandard at a forum meant to arouse interest and excitement.